Mutasa, Sibanda, Gumbo Bounces Back

War Veterans Thursday afternoon resolved to readmit former Zanu PF Secretary for Administration, Didymus Mutasa and War Veterans chairperson, Jabulani Sibanda into the ex-freedom fighters movement in bid aimed at bolstering President Emmerson Mnangagwa campaign ahead of this year’s watershed election.

By Costa Nkomo

Former Zanu PF spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo, who was also booted out of Zanu PF and the Association has also bounced back.

Addressing journalists following their National Executive meeting in the capital today, Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) Secretary General, Victor Matemadanda said the resolution to re admit expelled members will be forwarded to the ruling ZANU PF for ratification.

“What came out most was the resolution of asking the party to readmit all expelled war veterans especially the likes of comrade Jabulani Sibanda, Didymus Mutasa, Rugare Gumbo and others back into the party because we feel the party becomes strong and strong when people are working together” said Matemadanda.

The trio was booted out of the party ahead of the 2014 Zanu PF congress for hobnobbing with the former Deputy President Mujuru who was accused of wanting to topple the former President Robert Mugabe.

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War veterans further resolved to appoint Hoyini Samuel Bhila as the association acting provincial chairperson for Harare Province.

“I think this is going to revitalise the work of Harare province because we have a lot of challenges in Harare and war veterans instead of concentrating on trivial issues must work very hard to make sure that the party gains the support it that it had in the 1980s and 1980s” added Matemadanda.

The association also expressed gratitude to the party which has given war veterans a green light to contest in the 2018 general elections in all contested levels.

Matemadanda added that war veterans will descend with heavy fist on land barons and other unscrupulous elements in a bid to curtail corruption which continue to go unabated at most cropping in Harare alleged to include unnamed leaders.

Meanwhile the association raised concerns regarding their welfare which they said has been affected by the current economic challenges facing the country.

“War veterans, war collaborators and ex detainees are the poorest of the Zimbabwean society and under normal circumstances you would want their welfares improved and this is what we are working on,” noted Matemadanda.

The war veterans needs remain a subject of debate an issue that sparked furore with their former patron Mr Mugabe who they later dumped alleging that he had been captured by his wife Grace Mugabe and G40 aligned members who are now in exile.

The association also raised concern over social media which they said has become a weapon for expelled party members in their battle to discredit the new dispensation.